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Accurate measurements of skin temperature on cracking furnace coils have become necessary for improved process control. Infrared devices have proven inaccurate for measuring skin temperatures on furnace coils. The inaccuracy has been driven in large part by an uncharacterized and misunderstood emissivity value. BASF Temperature Sensing, in partnership with BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP, has researched the emissivity of typical furnace coils. The surfaces of sample coils were treated to simulate three stages of coil aging. The study was performed using three separate wavelengths.

In addition to the test results, a brief description of emissivity, its dependence on wavelength, and its impact on infrared temperature measurements will be presented. Best practices for measuring skin temperatures of furnace coils will also be discussed.